Page 31 of The Demons of Wychwood

CHAPTER 18

THE NEXT DAY

Oh my gawd! I was awoken by a sharp pain in my rib, a pain in my head, and a bladder full to bursting. Bess was screaming up a storm this morning, so that explained the pain in my head. I rolled over and opened my eyes to discover the pain in my rib was caused by the roguishly handsome Lord in my bed. He was prodding me with his finger. When he saw I was awake he said, “You’ve slept through that blasted racket for the past ten minutes. How the devil—?“

I groaned and rubbed my face, then laughed, “I’m used to it. She’s just hungry and as soon as she gets something in her belly, she’ll be good as gold,” I explained. “Babies are simple creatures, crying’s just to tell us that they’re sad, hungry, bored, or need a new napkin.”

“I can’t see me ever having children.”

It amused me how snooty and shocked Kit sounded. I clambered over Kit’s sleep warm naked body and pulled the gazunder out from beneath my bed. I lifted the lid to see Kit had already used it, and the scent of fresh warm piss was strong. I gripped my half-hard prick and emptied into the pot while he watched me again with a curious look on his face. It always made me laugh how men liked to watch each other pissing as if it was an unsaid competition between us all. When I was done, I reset the lid and pushed the pot under the bed to empty later. The fire in the grate was long dead and the room was freezing. I grabbed one of the crochet blankets from the bed and wrapped it around my shoulders. I moved to the bedroom door and could hear Elowen singing to Bess. Now the baby was laughing and cooing to her Ma. I could also smell that my sister was making quite a treat this morning, my favourite, honey cakes. I turned back to Kit who was propped on his side dozing in my bed.

“I must say…you look well fucked, milord!” I was proud of myself, for it was me who put that sated smile on his lordship’s face.

Kit opened his eyes and in a languorous sleepy drawl said, “I feel well fucked!”

“So, in the light of day what’s your conclusion about the rights and wrongs of us laying together?”

“Gods! Are you always so insufferable in the morning? Are you sure you don’t want me to explain the meaning of life?” Kit reached behind, picked up a pillow, and threw it at me. I clutched it out of the air and held it to my chest.

“Yes, I am. I like all my ducks in a row. And this is important. If you believe that what we did was wrong tell me now.”

Kit winced at hearing my words. He turned to lay on his back with his arms behind his head.

“I was thinking about it as I watched you sleep,” he admitted. I felt the heat rise to my face at the thought of him watching me unawares. To know Kit had watched me sleep did funny things to my insides. It was the kind of intimate thing that I’d always wanted to do but never had the chance.

“Edward and I never lay together…like this. There’s something very…natural and rather wonderful about sharing a bed with a lover, don’t you think?”

I moved to the bed then and sat beside him. Our gazes collided and, in the look, there was silent communication between us—something that made my chest feel full and words catch in my throat. Kit reached out and threaded his fingers into mine. He had bigger balls than me cos he found his words,

“I understand how Edward has been trying to prevent me from exploring my…needs with other men. He’s been manipulating…controlling me, using me for his own ends.”

“He has,”

“I had a wonderful night. You’ve treated me with the utmost care and consideration, Felix. I don’t know how I could ever thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me!” I said mildly outraged, as if I’d done him a service.

“I feel like the luckiest fellow even to have spent one night with you,” I said.

The corners of Kit’s eyes crinkled with bemusement as if I’d told an outrageous joke. How could he not know what a catch he was?

“Do you know what draws me back to Wychwood each and every time I get the date for a party?” I asked rhetorically, “Yes, the money is a pretty good lure, but what kept me risking everything was the chance of seeing you!” I admitted. It was Kit’s turn to blush now.

“Oh!” He licked his lips and then his smile widened and shone like the morning sun.

“Do you have any idea how bloody handsome you are. I’ve had my eye on you for months. I dreamed about you. I never knew your name until I delivered that letter, and I never thought you’d look twice at a cove like me, let alone take me for a tumble!”

“I’m…touched. Thank you. I must admit, I thought that there must be something underhand going on with you arriving at Wychwood, but I was wrong. You’ve treated me in a way that I don’t quite feel worthy of.”

I cupped his face and shook my head. We were a right pair! Kit rose then and kissed me. Neither of us tasted too good with morning breath but the rough dark stubble rubbing against my lips was lovely. He drew back.

“I think I’ll need to experiment a little longer to see if I am really suited to illegal activities!”

“Is that right!” I said dryly, finger combing his unruly curls back from his face.

“If I had my way, I’d drag you back under the covers and we’d do it again!” Kit admitted.

I snickered. “Much as I’d love to, no-can-do today! You’ll need to be up and dressed within the next five minutes if you want any of the honey cakes Elowen’s baking. They’re my favourite and if you ain’t quick you won’t get a look in!” I gave Kit a peck on the lips and then rose, tossed the crochet blanket back onto the bed and headed straight for my wardrobe.